By Queen Kunde
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has inaugurated its third bakery in Gboko, the ancestral headquarters of the Tiv Nation, marking another milestone in the state’s drive to spur local enterprise, create jobs, and stabilize food prices.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, drew traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders who hailed the initiative as a step toward revitalizing Benue’s economy.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, said the project reflects the vision of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to promote industrial growth and small-scale production across local communities.
“The Gboko bakery will stimulate commercial activities, create employment, and help stabilize the prices of essential commodities such as bread and water,” Dr. Asemakaha stated.
He further disclosed that plans were underway to begin construction of a fourth bakery in Otukpo, extending the economic benefits of the initiative to Benue South (Zone C).
Dr. Asemakaha also reaffirmed BIPC’s commitment to reviving moribund state-owned enterprises, including the Anune Tomato Factory, and pursuing the return of Dangote Cement to Benue ownership for the benefit of the people.
Performing the commissioning, the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation, His Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, represented by Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Afaatyo Ajoko, lauded Governor Alia’s administration for its transformative economic agenda and urged residents of Gboko to protect and sustain the project for the collective good.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Alumo Orpin, pledged continued government support for BIPC as a strategic driver of industrial growth and job creation.
The Chairman of the BIPC Board, Chief Lady Elizabeth Mary Ngumbur Shuluwa, commended the state government for stabilizing essential goods’ prices and assured that the board would continue to pursue innovative strategies to strengthen local enterprise.
Other key company executives, including Lucy Jato (GM, Real Estate and Infrastructure), Josephat Ioryoosu, Esq. (Company Secretary), and Theresa Abeda (Head, Business Development and Strategy) highlighted that the bakery project is designed to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) while empowering communities.
In goodwill messages, Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosum, APC Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Lydia Agaigbe and APC Youth Leader for Gboko pledged to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.
With three bakeries already operating across the state — and another set to rise in Otukpo — BIPC’s initiative is fast becoming a cornerstone of Governor Alia’s economic recovery and empowerment agenda, aimed at building a self-reliant and prosperous Benue.